Native plants and cultivars to incorporate into the landscape.

American Beautyberry

Callicarpa americana is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is best known for its striking clusters of bright purple berries that encircle the stems in late summer to fall, creating a stunning visual contrast against its green foliage. These berries persist into winter, providing an important food source for birds.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils; moderately drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Typically grows 3-6 feet tall and wide.
American Beautyberry is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, shrub borders, and naturalized areas. Its vibrant berries add ornamental value, especially in fall and winter, while also supporting local wildlife. The plant is relatively low-maintenance, with minimal pruning required to maintain its shape. It can also be used as an understory shrub in woodland gardens, where its colorful fruit provides seasonal interest and food for birds.

Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum is a versatile, fragrant perennial that brings both beauty and ecological benefits to your garden. Its tall, spike-like flowers, ranging in shades of lavender to blue, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an essential plant for a wildlife-friendly garden.
Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to part shade, requiring 3-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established.
Size: Grows up to 2-4 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide.
Agastache foeniculum is deer-resistant, easy to care for, and returns each year with minimal maintenance. It’s a perfect choice for adding texture and color to summer and fall gardens, while also contributing to a biodiverse ecosystem. This hardy perennial is an excellent option for sustainable gardening, requiring less water once established. Additionally, the aromatic leaves and flowers add a delightful scent to your garden, enhancing its sensory appeal.

Southern Blue Flag Iris

Iris virginica is a native perennial plant found in wetlands and along the edges of ponds and streams in the southeastern United States. It is prized for its showy, violet-blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, each flower featuring delicate yellow and white markings.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils and can tolerate standing water, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland areas.
-Size: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide.
Southern Blue Flag is a perfect choice for adding color and texture to water gardens, bog gardens, and other moist areas in the landscape. Its bright blooms attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, while its sturdy foliage provides a lush, green backdrop. This plant is relatively low-maintenance and can help stabilize soil in wet environments, making it both an attractive and functional addition to garden designs that include water features or naturalized wet areas.

Blue Mist Flower

Conoclinium coelestinum is a hardy perennial native to the central and southeastern United States. It is prized for its clusters of small, fluffy, bright blue to violet flowers that bloom from midsummer to late fall. These blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils but can adapt to wet conditions.
-Size: Typically grows 18-36 inches tall and wide.
Blue Mistflower is ideal for adding late-season color to garden borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas. Its vibrant flowers create a striking contrast in the garden, especially as other plants begin to fade in the fall. However, it can spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding, making it well-suited as a ground cover in larger, natural landscapes where its spreading habit is a benefit rather than a concern. This plant is easy to grow and can be particularly effective in areas where erosion control is needed.

Blue Wood Aster

Symphyotrichum cordifolium is a charming, shade-tolerant perennial native to the eastern United States. It features branched, upright stems that produce profuse clusters of small, daisy-like flowers in shades of light blue to lavender with yellow centers, blooming from late summer to fall. These flowers are a valuable late-season resource for pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Light Needs: Prefers partial shade to full shade, but can tolerate some sun.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils; adaptable to both dry and moist conditions.
-Size: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide.
Blue Wood Aster is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas, where its airy flowers add a soft, colorful touch late in the growing season. Its foliage, consisting of heart-shaped leaves, adds texture to the garden, while its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions makes it a versatile and low-maintenance plant. Additionally, this aster is resistant to deer, making it a reliable option for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern.

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub native to North America, particularly in wetland areas. It is renowned for its unique, spherical flower clusters that resemble small, white pincushions, blooming in late spring to early summer. These fragrant flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils and can tolerate standing water, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetlands.
-Size: Typically grows 6-12 feet tall and wide, but can reach up to 15 feet in optimal conditions.
Buttonbush is an excellent choice for wetland restoration projects, wildlife gardens, and areas prone to flooding. Its attractive, globe-like flowers not only add visual interest but also provide nectar for pollinators and seeds for birds. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance and can help stabilize soil in wet areas, making it a functional and ornamental addition to natural landscapes.

Calico Aster

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (formerly known as Aster lateriflorus) is a robust perennial that brings a flurry of starry, white flowers with pink to purple centers to the garden in late summer to fall. Its unique characteristic is the profuse, tiny flowers that appear along the sides of its branching stems, giving it a distinctive, bushy appearance.
-Light Needs: Performs best in full sun to part shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained, average to moist soils.
-Size: Grows about 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Calico Aster is particularly valuable for late-season nectar, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects. It's an excellent choice for naturalized areas, meadows, and garden borders, adding a splash of color and life as the season winds down. This aster is adaptable and easy to grow, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to extend their garden's bloom period into the fall.

Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens is a beloved evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States. It is celebrated for its clusters of fragrant, bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in early spring, often continuing into early summer.
Gelsemium sempervirens is a beloved evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States. It is celebrated for its clusters of fragrant, bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in early spring, often continuing into early summer.
Carolina Jessamine is an excellent choice for trellises, fences, or arbors, where its cascading vines and vibrant blooms can truly shine. This vine is also commonly used as a ground cover to control erosion on slopes. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to keep it in shape and promote more prolific blooming. Additionally, Carolina Jessamine is a valuable addition to wildlife gardens, attracting pollinators while its evergreen nature provides year-round interest.

Coral Honeysuckle

Lonicera sempervirens,is a vigorous, twining vine native to the eastern United States. It is celebrated for its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, which range in color from bright red to coral, and bloom from late spring to summer. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with more flowers produced in full sun.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil, but is adaptable to many soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
-Size: Can grow up to 10-20 feet long when supported by a structure.
Coral Honeysuckle is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract wildlife or add vertical interest to their landscape. It is well-suited for growing on trellises, fences, and other structures. Unlike many other honeysuckles, Lonicera sempervirens is not invasive, making it a responsible choice for native plant gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care, making it a practical and beautiful addition to sustainable landscapes.

Frogfruit Plant

Phyla nodiflora is a versatile, low-growing perennial native to the southern United States and tropical America. It is known for its dense mat-forming habit and tiny, rounded leaves. Throughout the year, especially in warmer months, it produces small, white to lavender flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators
pollinators.

-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
-Size: Typically grows only a few inches high but can spread several feet wide
Phyla nodiflora is an excellent choice for ground cover, able to handle foot traffic and ideal for filling spaces in pathways, between stepping stones, or in garden beds. It's also effective for erosion control on slopes due to its fast-spreading and rooting nature. This plant requires minimal care, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners looking to cover large areas with a durable, attractive plant. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, contributing to its resilience and ease of care in diverse garden settings

Frostweed Plant

Verbesina virginica is a robust perennial native to the eastern United States. It is particularly noted for its unique frost formations in the fall and winter when moisture in its stems freezes and bursts out in beautiful ice patterns, earning it the name "frostweed." It showcases large, white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers from late summer to fall, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils but can tolerate moist conditions.
-Size: Typically grows 3-6 feet tall and spreads 2-4 feet wide.
Verbesina virginica is an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings and wildflower gardens, adding visual interest especially in colder months with its ice sculptures. It's also suited for backgrounds in garden borders due to its height and late blooming period. This plant is relatively easy to grow and maintain, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits as it supports local wildlife with its nectar and serves as a host plant for several butterfly species.

Grayleaf Goldenrod

Solidago nemoralis is a perennial wildflower native to North America. It is smaller and more compact than many other goldenrods, making it a suitable choice for smaller gardens or as a border plant. It features slender, arching stems topped with dense, yellow flower spikes that bloom from late summer to fall. The flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including poor soils.
-Size: Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads about a foot wide.
Solidago nemoralis is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in tough environmental conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or naturalized areas. Its compact size and attractive blooms also make it ideal for rock gardens, borders, and meadow gardens. This goldenrod is an important nectar source during the late season, supporting pollinators when many other plants have finished blooming.

Inkberry Shrub

Ilex glabra is a dense, evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. It is noted for its glossy, dark green leaves and its ability to form a solid, low hedge. Unlike many hollies, Inkberry does not have the typical spiny leaves, making it more user-friendly in landscapes where people might brush against it.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in acidic, moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and wetland margins.
-Size: Typically grows 5-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, but dwarf varieties are smaller.
Inkberry produces small, white flowers in spring followed by black berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds and wildlife. Its compact, rounded form makes it excellent for foundation plantings, natural hedges, and mass plantings. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance, with occasional pruning needed to keep its shape and promote new growth. Inkberry is also valued for its resistance to pests and diseases, making it a durable choice for a variety of landscape applications.

Jacob’s Ladder

Polemonium reptans is a charming perennial native to the woodlands of eastern North America. It is known for its delicate, fern-like foliage, with pinnately compound leaves that resemble the rungs of a ladder. In spring, it produces clusters of bell-shaped, pale blue to lavender flowers that add a soft touch of color to shaded garden areas.
-Light Needs: Prefers partial shade to full shade.
-Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
-Size: Typically grows 12-18 inches tall and spreads about 12-18 inches wide
Jacob's Ladder is an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas where its delicate foliage and early blooms can be appreciated. It is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in the cool, moist conditions found in shaded garden spots. The plant's soft blue flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a beautiful and beneficial addition to gardens focused on supporting wildlife.

Lyreleaf Sage

Salvia lyrata is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States. It is notable for its attractive rosettes of green to purplish leaves that often feature prominent veining, and its tall spikes of lavender to blue flowers that bloom in the spring.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a range of soil types, from dry to moderately moist.
-Size: Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads about 1 foot wide.
Lyreleaf Sage is valued for its adaptability and the beautiful appearance of its foliage and flowers. It's a great choice for wildflower gardens, meadows, and as a ground cover in naturalized areas. The plant self-seeds readily, which can be beneficial for filling in spaces but may require management to keep it contained. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the ecological value of the garden. This plant is also drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water garden designs.

Narrowleaf Sunflower

Helianthus angustifolius is a robust perennial native to the southeastern United States. This plant is notable for its tall, sturdy stems and narrow, lanceolate leaves, which give it a striking, upright appearance. In the fall, it produces a profusion of bright yellow sunflower-like blooms that add vibrant color and cheer to the garden
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to ensure vigorous growth and maximum flowering.
-Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils but is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Typically grows 4-6 feet tall and can spread 2-4 feet wide.
Narrowleaf Sunflower is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and waterside plantings, where it can help stabilize soil and provide habitat for wildlife. It's also well-suited for the back of borders or as a screen due to its height and dense growth. This plant is a magnet for bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden's ecological diversity. Despite its name, it adapts well to both wet and moderately dry conditions, making it a versatile addition to a variety of garden settings.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia is a striking deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its large, oak-leaf-shaped leaves that provide beautiful fall color, transitioning from green to shades of red, bronze, and purple. In early summer, the shrub produces long, cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that gradually turn to a rosy pink as they age
-Light Needs: Prefers partial shade, especially in the hotter parts of its range, to protect the leaves from scorching.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
-Size: Typically grows 4-6 feet tall and wide, though it can reach up to 8 feet in optimal conditions.
Oakleaf Hydrangea is ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a foundation planting, where its dramatic foliage and attractive blooms can be fully appreciated. This shrub is low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established. Its peeling bark adds winter interest, making it a year-round feature in the garden. Additionally, its flowers are excellent for cutting and drying, enhancing its value as a versatile ornamental plant.

Orange Milkweed

Asclepias tuberosa is a hardy perennial native to North America. It is celebrated for its vibrant, orange to yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to fall, providing nectar to a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Most notably, it serves as a crucial host plant for monarch butterfly larvae.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to flourish and produce abundant flowers.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils; it is drought-resistant and well-suited to poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
-Size: Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 1.5 feet wide.
Orange Milkweed is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, prairie gardens, and borders. Its vibrant flowers not only add a pop of color to any landscape but also support biodiversity. Additionally, the plant's tolerance for poor soils makes it a sustainable choice for low-maintenance gardens.

Pink Beardtongue

Penstemon australis is a graceful perennial native to the southeastern United States. It features tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pale pink to lavender, blooming from late spring through early summer. These flowers are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
-Light Needs: Performs best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Does well in well-drained, sandy soils; drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Grows to a height of 2-3 feet and spreads about 1 foot wide.
Southern Beardtongue is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, native plantings, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its delicate, yet showy flowers bring vertical interest and soft color to the garden, while its low maintenance needs make it a practical addition to a variety of garden settings. The plant’s adaptability to different soil conditions ensures it thrives in less fertile areas, adding to its appeal for sustainable gardening practices.

Rough Blazing Star

Liatris aspera is a native perennial known for its eye-catching, spiky clusters of purple-magenta flowers that bloom from late summer to fall. The flowers are arranged along tall, unbranched stems, creating a dramatic vertical display that is particularly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun, which encourages abundant flowering.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and is highly tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions.
-Size: Typically reaches 2-3 feet in height and about 1 foot in width.
This plant is well-suited to prairie and meadow plantings, where its upright form adds structure and interest. Rough Blazing Star is also a great choice for gardeners looking to introduce native plants into their landscapes, as it combines low water needs with the ability to support local wildlife, all while adding a unique textural element to the garden.

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens is a slow-growing, low-lying palm native to the southeastern United States. It is well-known for its distinctive, fan-shaped leaves and its ability to form dense thickets. This palm produces yellowish-white flowers in spring, followed by orange to black berries that are a valuable food source for wildlife.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy. It is drought-resistant and also tolerates occasional flooding.
-Size: Typically grows to about 2-7 feet tall with a spreading habit that can extend several feet wide
Saw Palmetto is an excellent choice for natural landscapes, coastal areas, and wildlife gardens. Its resilience to various environmental conditions makes it ideal for use as a ground cover or an understory plant in larger landscape designs. This plant is also celebrated for its medicinal properties, particularly the use of its berries in supplements supporting prostate health.

Scarlet Sage

Salvia coccinea is a vibrant perennial native to the southeastern United States and Mexico. It boasts striking spikes of tubular red, pink, or white flowers that bloom profusely from early summer to frost, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soils, and is drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Typically grows between 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Scarlet Sage is perfect for adding a pop of color to borders, garden beds, and container plantings. Its long blooming period and vibrant flowers make it a standout in any garden setting, providing continuous interest and support for local wildlife. This plant is also known for its ease of care, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet visually impactful options.

Sea Myrtle Shrub

Baccharis halimifolia is a versatile, deciduous shrub native to the coastal regions of the eastern and southern United States. It features thick, leathery leaves and, in late summer to fall, it produces abundant fluffy, white seed heads that are particularly striking against the foliage.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is salt-tolerant and can withstand drought condiyions.
-Size: Typically grows 6-12 feet tall and wide.
Sea Myrtle is an excellent choice for coastal landscapes and areas with challenging growing conditions due to its tolerance of salt spray and poor soils. It's often used in restoration projects, as a windbreak, or in wildlife gardens, as it provides significant cover and food for birds. This shrub is also useful for controlling erosion, making it a functional and attractive addition to both environmental and residential landscapes.

Sky Blue Aster

Symphyotrichum oolentangiense is a hardy perennial native to North America. It's noted for its vibrant, sky-blue flowers with yellow centers that bloom profusely from late summer to fall. This aster is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds with its nectar and seeds.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in the hotter parts of its range.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained, loamy or sandy soils; it's drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide.
Sky Blue Aster is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, prairie gardens, or as a colorful border in a residential landscape. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and its drought tolerance make it a low-maintenance option for sustainable landscaping. The plant's late-season blossoms provide critical support for wildlife preparing for winter, making it a valuable addition to biodiversity-focused gardens.

Slender Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum tenuifolium is a robust perennial herb native to the eastern United States. It is highly prized for its aromatic, minty foliage and dense clusters of tiny, white to pale pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. These flowers are incredibly attractive to a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, from moist to dry.
-Size: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide.
Slender Mountain Mint is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, and herb gardens, where its strong minty scent can be appreciated. Its ability to adapt to different soil and light conditions makes it versatile for various garden designs. Additionally, the plant is known for its resilience to deer browsing and its low maintenance requirements, making it a durable and attractive addition to any garden setting.

Sneezeweed

Helenium autumnale is a vibrant perennial native to North America. It features bushy clusters of bright yellow, orange, or red flowers with distinctive drooping petals and prominent central cones. These blooms appear from late summer to fall, providing late-season color and attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
-Light Needs: Best in full sun to achieve optimal flowering.
-Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate periods of drought once established.
-Size: Typically reaches heights of 1-2 feet and spreads about 2-3 feet wide.
Sneezeweed is a fantastic addition to perennial borders, wildflower gardens, and waterside plantings, where its showy flowers can truly shine. Despite its common name, Sneezeweed does not cause allergies as its name might suggest; the name derives from the use of its dried leaves in making snuff. It's a great choice for gardeners looking to extend the blooming season into the cooler months and support wildlife in their garden.

Snowy Milkweed

Asclepias perennis is a perennial native to the southeastern United States. It is distinguished by its slender, upright stems and clusters of delicate white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. This species is particularly important for monarch butterflies, serving as a host plant for their larvae and providing nectar for adult butterflies.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade.
-Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or areas near water features.
-Size: Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads about 1 foot wide.
Snowy Milkweed is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, and habitats designed to support pollinators. Its ability to thrive in wetter conditions sets it apart from many other milkweed species, allowing it to contribute to diverse ecological landscapes. This milkweed's modest size also makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed perennial border, where its blooms add beauty and support biodiversity

Spotted Bee Balm

Monarda punctata is a distinctive perennial herb native to North America. It is noted for its tiered whorls of pink, yellow, and purple-spotted flowers, which bloom from late summer to early fall. The plant is highly aromatic, with a strong minty fragrance that attracts a plethora of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including dry and poor soils.
-Size: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide.
Spotted Beebalm is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. Its unique flower structure and strong scent make it a standout in the garden, providing visual interest and ecological benefits. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties, historically used by Native Americans for a variety of ailments. Easy to care for, Monarda punctata is drought-tolerant once established and adds a vibrant touch to any garden setting.

Swamp Milkweed

Asclepias incarnata is a hardy perennial native to North America. It is particularly valued for its clusters of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. These blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, which rely on the plant as a host for their larvae.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
-Soil: Thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, wet meadows, and areas near ponds or streams.
-Size: Typically grows 3-5 feet tall and spreads about 2-3 feet wide.
Swamp Milkweed is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support pollinator populations, particularly monarchs. Its showy flowers and ability to thrive in wet conditions make it a standout in wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. Additionally, the plant is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate brief periods of drought once established, though it performs best in consistently moist environments.

Sweet Goldenrod

Solidago odora is a fragrant perennial native to the eastern United States. It is noted for its tall, arching sprays of bright yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to fall, and for the pleasant anise scent released when its leaves are crushed.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established.
-Size: Typically grows 2-5 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide.
Sweet Goldenrod is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized areas. Its bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a valuable plant for supporting biodiversity. The anise-scented leaves can also be used to make a flavorful herbal tea. This goldenrod is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and well-suited to dry, sandy soils, making it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings.

Virginia Mountain Mint

Pycnanthemum virginianum is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States. It is highly regarded for its dense clusters of small, white to pale lavender flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The plant's foliage emits a strong, minty aroma when crushed, making it a favorite among gardeners.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including wet or dry soils.
-Size: Typically grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide
Virginia Mountain Mint is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, naturalized areas, and herb gardens. Its flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. The plant is also deer-resistant and low-maintenance, making it easy to grow in a variety of garden settings. Its strong minty fragrance adds an additional sensory dimension to the garden, and the plant’s adaptability to different conditions makes it a versatile addition to any landscape.

Whorled Milkweed

Asclepias verticillata is a slender perennial native to North America. It is characterized by its narrow, whorled leaves and clusters of small, white to greenish-white flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. Like other milkweeds, it is an important host plant for monarch butterfly larvae.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained soils and is particularly tolerant of dry, sandy, or rocky conditions.
-Size: Typically grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads about 1 foot wide.
Whorled Milkweed is ideal for naturalized areas, prairies, and dry meadows. Its delicate, wispy appearance adds a subtle beauty to the landscape, while its role as a host plant makes it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. This milkweed species is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and a practical choice for gardeners interested in supporting wildlife with minimal effort.

Winterberry Plant

Ilex verticillata is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America. It is highly valued for its brilliant red berries that persist into winter, providing striking color and interest in the landscape after the leaves have fallen. These berries are a vital food source for birds during the colder months.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers moist, acidic soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, including wet and poorly drained areas.
-Size: Typically grows 3-12 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety
Winterberry is an excellent choice for adding winter interest to gardens, naturalized areas, and wetland margins. It’s particularly effective when planted in groups, which not only enhances its visual impact but also ensures better berry production, as both male and female plants are needed for pollination. The bright red berries contrast beautifully against the winter landscape, making it a popular choice for seasonal decor and wildlife gardens. This plant is also low-maintenance and tolerant of a range of growing conditions, making it a versatile addition to many garden settings.

Yellow Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata is a robust perennial native to the central and eastern United States. It is recognized for its tall, slender stems topped with drooping yellow petals surrounding a distinctive grayish-brown, cone-shaped center. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, these flowers provide a vibrant display in the garden and attract a variety of pollinators.
-Light Needs: Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering.
-Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including dry and rocky soils.
-Size: Typically grows 3-5 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide
Yellow coneflower is a great choice for prairie gardens, wildflower meadows, and naturalized landscapes, where its tall, airy form adds movement and color. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden. This hardy plant is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, contributing both beauty and ecological value to the landscape.

Purple Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea is a hardy perennial that brightens the landscape with large, vibrant pink-purple flowers featuring a central orange cone. This native North American species blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is valued for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
-Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
-Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; it adapts well to sandy or clay soils.
-Size: Grows 2-5 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide.
Purple Coneflower is ideal for pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, and cottage-style landscapes. Its blooms add bold color while the seed heads offer winter interest and provide food for birds. This drought-tolerant and low-maintenance plant is an excellent choice for sustainable gardening.

Zigzag Goldenrod

Solidago flexicaulis is a shade-tolerant perennial native to the eastern United States. Unlike many other goldenrods, this species thrives in woodland settings, producing clusters of small, bright yellow flowers along its zigzagging stems from late summer to early fall. The blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
-Light Needs: Prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
-Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, including dry and rocky soils.
-Size: Typically grows 1-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide
Zigzag Goldenrod is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to shaded areas of the garden. Its bright yellow flowers contrast beautifully with the deep green foliage of woodland settings. This plant is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and plays an important role in supporting pollinators late in the season, making it a valuable addition to naturalized and wildlife-friendly gardens